U.S. patent application number 10/483051 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for pressure-operated power screwdriver having a measuring section.
Invention is credited to Sittig, Ulf, Thelen, Bernd.
Application Number | 20040187650 10/483051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26057087 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040187650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sittig, Ulf ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Pressure-operated power screwdriver having a measuring section
Abstract
The power screwdriver comprises a functional part (11) with a
housing (14) through which a shaft (17) passes. The shaft (17) is
provided with a toothing (18), into which a ratchet lever of the
functional part (11) engages. A splined shaft toothing (20) of the
shaft (17) has an insertion recess (21) that changes into a cavity
(22). The wall of the cavity (22) is provided with a torsion sensor
(23) and forms a measuring section (25) that is located in the area
of the shaft (17) covered by the housing (14). A torsion
measurement is effected in the measuring section (25). Due to the
measuring section (25) being located in the area of the shaft
covered by the housing (14), the shaft (17) is relatively short
whereby it may be used under tight spatial screwing conditions
involving a low head height above the screw. The power wrench is
additionally provided with an angle measuring device (33) whereby
torque and angle of rotation can be simultaneously provided and can
be used for controlling and recording.
Inventors: |
Sittig, Ulf; (Siegburg,
DE) ; Thelen, Bernd; (Much, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Diller Ramik & Wight
Merrion Square
Suite 101
7345 McWhorter Place
Annandale
VA
22003
US
|
Family ID: |
26057087 |
Appl. No.: |
10/483051 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 3, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP02/07357 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
81/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25B 21/005 20130101;
B25B 23/1456 20130101; B25B 23/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
081/467 |
International
Class: |
B25B 023/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 7, 2001 |
DE |
201 11 326.0 |
Aug 2, 2001 |
DE |
201 12 833.0 |
Claims
1. A pressure-operated power wrench comprising a drive part (10)
and a functional part (11) having a housing (14) that includes a
ratchet lever driven by the drive part (10), said ratchet lever
driving a shaft (17) that extends transversely through the housing
(14) and comprises a coupling section (20; 20a), said power wrench
comprising a measuring section (25) measuring the torque,
characterized in that the measuring section (25) is arranged at
least partially in a region enclosed by the housing (14).
2. A pressure-operated power wrench comprising a drive part (10)
and a functional part (11) having a housing (14) that includes a
ratchet lever driven by the drive part (10), said ratchet lever
driving a shaft (17) that extends transversely through the housing
(14) and comprises a coupling section (20; 20a), said power wrench
comprising a measuring section (25) measuring the torque,
characterized in that the measuring section (25) is formed at a
cavity (22) of the shaft (17) or of a hollow shaft (42) connected
to the shaft for rotation therewith.
3. A pressure-operated power wrench comprising a drive part (10)
and a functional part (11) having a housing (14) that includes a
ratchet lever driven by the drive part (10), said ratchet lever
driving a shaft (17) that extends transversely through the housing
(14) and comprises a coupling section (20; 20a), said power wrench
comprising a measuring section (25) measuring the torque,
characterized in that the coupling device is configured as a key
socket (40) being an integral part of the shaft (17).
4. A pressure-operated power wrench comprising a drive part (10)
and a functional part (11) having a housing (14) that includes a
ratchet lever driven by the drive part (10), said ratchet lever
driving a shaft (17) that extends transversely through the housing
(14) and comprises a coupling section (20; 20a), said power wrench
comprising a measuring section (25) measuring the torque,
characterized in that the measuring section (25) is arranged at or
in a hollow shaft (42) of a key socket (40).
5. The power wrench according to claim 2, characterized in that the
cavity (22) immediately follows an insertion recess (21) of the
coupling device (20).
6. The power wrench according to one of claims 1-5 claim 1,
characterized in that an angle sensor (35) detecting the rotational
angle of the shaft (17) is provided at the housing (14).
7. The power wrench according to claim 6, characterized in that the
angle sensor (35) is arranged in a cap (36) enclosing the one end
of the shaft (17).
8. The power wrench according to one of claims 1-7 claim 1,
characterized in that the angle sensor (35) cooperates with a code
disc (34) fastened on the end of the shaft (17).
9. The power wrench according to one of claims 1-8 claim 1,
characterized in that a data transmission element (28) is arranged
at the end of the shaft (17).
10. The power wrench according to claim 2, characterized in that an
angle sensor (35) detecting the rotational angle of the shaft (17)
is provided at the housing (14).
11. The power wrench according to claim 3, characterized in that an
angle sensor (35) detecting the rotational angle of the shaft (17)
is provided at the housing (14).
12. The power wrench according to claim 4, characterized in that an
angle sensor (35) detecting the rotational angle of the shaft (17)
is provided at the housing (14).
13. The power wrench according to claim 2, characterized in that
the angle sensor (35) cooperates with a code disc (34) fastened on
the end of the shaft (17).
14. The power wrench according to claim 3, characterized in that
the angle sensor (35) cooperates with a code disc (34) fastened on
the end of the shaft (17).
15. The power wrench according to claim 4, characterized in that
the angle sensor (35) cooperates with a code disc (34) fastened on
the end of the shaft (17).
16. The power wrench according to claim 2, characterized in that a
data transmission element (28) is arranged at the end of the shaft
(17).
17. The power wrench according to claim 3, characterized in that a
data transmission element (28) is arranged at the end of the shaft
(17).
18. The power wrench according to claim 4, characterized in that a
data transmission element (28) is arranged at the end of the shaft
(17).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a pressure-operated hydraulic or
pneumatic power wrench comprising a drive part and a functional
part, said functional part having a shaft that is driven by a
ratchet lever and includes a coupling device, and comprising a
measuring section detecting the torsion element.
[0002] A hydraulic power wrench of this type is known from DE 296
07 207. In this power wrench, the shaft extends transversely
through the housing of the functional part. Outside the housing, a
measuring section adapted to be twisted is provided at the shaft.
In this measuring section, a torsion sensor in the form of several
extension measuring strips is mounted on the shaft. The torsion
sensor forms an electric resistor arrangement the resistance of
which depends on the torque. A coupling device adapted to be
coupled with a tool or a screw head is located at the end of the
shaft.
[0003] This power wrench with measuring cell permits to measure the
torsional moment acting upon the screw whereby it is possible to
detect the tightening torque directly at the screw connection.
[0004] It is the object of the invention to provide a
pressure-operated power wrench with drive part, functional part and
a measuring section, which has small dimensions in axial direction
of the screw and thus can be used even if the headroom (above the
screw) is small.
[0005] A first solution to this object is provided, according to
the invention, by the features indicated in claim 1. Accordingly,
the measuring section is arranged at least partially in the region
enclosed by the housing. This means that the measuring section is
located in the region covered by the housing or at least projects
into this region. This results in that the shaft or a part
connected thereto has a slight axial projection beyond the housing
and that the overall length of the shaft is very small so that the
power wrench can also be used at narrow locations with very small
headroom being available above the screw.
[0006] A second solution to the indicated object is defined by
claim 2. Accordingly, the measuring section is formed in a cavity
of the shaft or a tubular portion connected thereto. Here, the
torsion sensor of the measuring section is mounted to the inner
wall of the cavity. At the outside of the shaft, no room is
required for the torsion sensor. It can overlap with a toothing
provided at the outside of the shaft and being engaged by the
ratchet lever. Thus, the measuring section of the shaft does not
require any additional length at all. Moreover, the torsion sensor
is accommodated in the cavity so as to be protected against
external influences and an additional encapsulation of the
measuring section is not required.
[0007] A third solution to the object is defined by claim 3.
Accordingly, the coupling device is configured as a key socket
being an integral part of the shaft. Here, the projection of the
shaft beyond the housing is reduced to a minimum measure. The
cavity of the key socket may extend as far as into the housing.
Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the coupling device
as a square, for example, onto which a key socket can be put. In
this case, however, the length of the shaft including the key
socket becomes greater.
[0008] A fourth solution to the object is indicated in claim 4.
Accordingly, the measuring section is arranged at or in a tubular
portion of a key socket. The key socket may be an integral part of
the shaft or may also be connected with the shaft.
[0009] At the housing, an angle sensor may be provided which
detects the rotational angle of the shaft. Apart from the direct
torque measurement in the interior of the apparatus, a direct
rotational angle measurement is simultaneously effected. By
integrating the angle sensor into the power wrench, the flat design
is not substantially impaired so that the direct measurement can
also be effected under extremely tight spatial conditions. It has
been observed that the combined measurement of torque and
rotational angle permits the most precise tightening method for
highly sensitive screw connections.
[0010] Preferably, the angle sensor is arranged in a cap
surrounding the one end of the shaft. Thus, the angle sensor is
protected against mechanical damage and pollution. On the other
hand, the lateral enlargement of the housing by the cap can be kept
relatively small. Either by means of slip rings or by wireless
transmission, data can be transferred through the cap.
[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained
in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0012] In the Figures:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of
the power wrench, partially in section,
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view along the line II-II of FIG.
1,
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment where
the measuring section is arranged on the outside of the shaft,
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a third embodiment where
the measuring section is arranged in the shaft interior,
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of a fourth embodiment where
the shaft is coupled with the key socket via an intermediate
shaft,
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment where the measuring section
is arranged in a tubular portion of the key socket,
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment where the measuring section
is arranged on the outside of a tubular portion of the key
socket,
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment where the measuring
section is arranged in a tubular portion of the key socket which,
in turn, is connected with an intermediate shaft, and
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a version similar to that of FIG. 8, but with
the measuring section being arranged outside.
[0022] The power wrench according to FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a
drive part 10 and a functional part 11. The drive part 10 is
exchangeably mounted to the functional part 11. The drive part 10
includes a (non-illustrated) hydraulic cylinder in which a piston
can be displaced. On the cylinder housing 12, the drive part 10
comprises a pivotal connection device 13 for hydraulic hoses.
[0023] The functional part 11 comprises a housing 14 consisting of
two assembled housing halves 14a and 14b here. In the housing 14,
there is a cavity 15 in which a (non-illustrated) ratchet lever can
be pivoted to and fro by the drive part 10. A shaft 17 is rotatably
supported in a transverse bore 16 extending through the housing 14.
In the interior of the housing 14, this shaft 17 comprises a
circumferential toothing 18 into which a toothing of the ratchet
lever engages. Thus, the shaft 17 is rotated about its axis by a
specified angular amount with each stroke of the drive part 10.
Then, the return stroke of the ratchet lever is effected where the
shaft 17 is not taken along.
[0024] At one end, the shaft 17 comprises a coupling device 20
configured as a key socket 40 and forming an insertion recess 21 of
hexagonal cross section. The insertion recess 21 is located in the
portion of the shaft 17 projecting from the housing 14 and extends
as far as into the housing 14. Thus, the portion of the shaft
projecting from the housing can be kept relatively short.
[0025] The insertion recess 21 changes into a cavity 22 formed in
the shaft 17. The torsion sensor 23 in the form of extension
measuring strips adhered to the circumferential wall is located at
the circumferential wall of the cavity 22. Between the insertion
recess 21 and the cavity 22, there is an annular flange 24
projecting inward and protecting the torsion sensor 23 against
intrusions from outside. The portion of the shaft 17 carrying the
torsion sensor 23 forms the measuring section 25. The cavity 22
forms an axial extension of the insertion recess 21. When the
insertion recess 21 is put upon a screw nut to be turned, the
cavity 22 is able to receive the screw shank projecting from the
nut. Therefore, the insertion recess 21 may have a relatively small
axial length. Alternatively, the insertion recess may also serve to
receive the shank of a key socket or be configured as a square
opening.
[0026] The cavity 22 is followed by a truncated transition 26
opening into a receiving room 27 in which a data transmission
element 28 is included. From the torsion sensor 23, a cable duct 29
extends to the data transmission element 28. The data transmission
element 28 is a slip ring arrangement, for example, which connects
an external cable 30 with the torsion sensor 23 that is rotatable
with the shaft 17. Alternatively, the transmission may also be
effected in a wireless manner. The cable 30 leads to a cable
connection 31 (FIG. 1) provided at a cantilever arm 32 of the
housing 14, to which a control or measuring apparatus can be
connected.
[0027] Further, the hydraulic power wrench is equipped with a
rotational angle measuring device 33. The latter comprises a code
disc 34 fastened on the end of the shaft 17 facing away from the
insertion recess 21 and an angle sensor 35 reacting to the bars of
the code disc 34 and detecting the rotational angle of the shaft
thereby. The angle sensor 35 consists of a forkshaped light barrier
into which the code disc 34 protruding radially from the shaft
projects.
[0028] The angle sensor 35 is included in a cap 36 set upon a
portion of the housing 14 and fastened by screws 37. The cap 36
encloses the rear end of the shaft 17 facing away from the
insertion recess 21 and simultaneously forms a protective housing
for this shaft end and the angle measuring device 33. From the
angle sensor 35, a cable 38 leads to the cable connection 31 so
that both the torsion sensor 23 and the angle sensor 35 are
electrically accessible at the cable connection 31.
[0029] The operation of the power wrench can be exactly controlled
and particularly, the desired screw tightening moment can be
achieved purposefully with the torsion moment of the shaft 17 and
the rotational angle of this shaft being continuously measured. It
is also possible to store the data measured during a screw
tightening process and deposit them in a memory to be able to
document the screwing process later on. This is particularly
important when screws relevant as to safety are tightened.
[0030] In the following embodiments, the drive part 10 and the
functional part 11 each have the same construction as has been
described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. What is different is the
respective transmission of power from the shaft to the key socket,
as will be explained hereinafter.
[0031] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the shaft 17 is arranged in the
housing over its entire length. On the one shaft half, it comprises
a coupling device 20a in the form of a splined shaft toothing
engaging with a corresponding outer toothing of a key socket 40.
The key socket 40 has a hexagonal insertion recess 21 in an
enlarged head 41. The head 41 partially extends as far as into the
housing 14. The head 41 is followed by a hollow shaft 42. This
hollow shaft comprises an outer wedge splining engaging with the
coupling device 20a of the shaft 17. Between this outer wedge
splining and the head 41, there is a measuring section 25 with a
torsion sensor 23 arranged in the annular groove of the hollow
shaft 42 so as to be countersunk. The torque is transferred to the
hollow shaft 42 from the shaft 17, and from there, it is
transferred to the head 41 of the key socket 40 via the measuring
section 25. In this variant, even a part of the head 41 is arranged
so as to be countersunk in the housing 14 so that the axial length
of the power wrench can be kept extremely short.
[0032] The embodiment of FIG. 4 corresponds to that of FIG. 3, but
with the difference that the torsion sensor 23 is arranged at the
inside of the hollow shaft 42. Electric connection lines can be led
through the hollow shaft to the torsion sensor very easily.
[0033] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the shaft 17 projects from the
housing 14 toward the rear end. At the projecting portion, it is
provided with a splined shaft toothing 20a at the inside, which
engages with a corresponding coupling device 20a at the outside of
an intermediate shaft 44. The intermediate shaft extends through
the housing 14 as far as to the front and it comprises an inner
splined shaft toothing 45 in its front portion and a bearing bore
46 in its rear portion.
[0034] The key socket 40 comprises a head 41 with an insertion
recess 21. This head is followed by a hollow shaft 42 on which a
splined shaft section is provided which engages with the splined
shaft toothing 45 of the intermediate shaft 44. The hollow shaft 42
is followed by a hollow shaft section 47 supported in the bearing
bore 46.
[0035] In the region between the two splined shaft toothings 20a
and 45, there is the measuring section 25 with the torsion sensor
23 fastened in an outer groove of the intermediate shaft 44.
[0036] In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, key socketes 40 of
different wrench widths can be inserted into the intermediate
shaft, even the largest wrench widths being possible.
[0037] The embodiment of FIG. 5 may also be modified such that the
torsion sensor 23 is included in a recess at the inner wall of the
intermediate shaft 44.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment where the key socket 40 is
connected with a hollow shaft 42 which engages into an inner
coupling device 20a of the shaft 17. The shaft 17 extends over the
width of the housing 14, but does not project substantially beyond
it. With the hollow shaft 42, the key socket 40 forms a structural
unit which, as a whole, can be withdrawn from the shaft 17. The
measuring section 25 is located at the key socket 40, namely in the
region between the insertion recess 21 and the hollow shaft 42.
From the torsion sensor 23, electric wires 48 extend through the
hollow shaft to a data transmission element 28 arranged in the same
manner as in FIG. 2, but being located in the interior of the
hollow shaft 42 here. The power wrench is equipped with a
rotational angle measuring device 33 comprising a code disc 34
seated on the hollow shaft 42 and an angle sensor 35 secured to the
housing.
[0039] The embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from that of FIG. 6 only in
that the torsion sensor 23 is arranged on the outside of the
measuring section 25. A bore 46 for the passage of the cables from
the torsion sensor 23 leads through the hollow shaft 42 into the
interior of the hollow shaft.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment where the key socket 40 is
extended by a hollow shaft 42 including a measuring section 25, the
torsion sensor 23 being arranged in the interior of the hollow
shaft 42. The hollow shaft 42 is connected with an intermediate
shaft 49 engaging into an inner coupling device 20a of the shaft
17. The cable from the torsion sensor 23 passes through the
intermediate shaft 49 in order to emerge at the rear side.
[0041] The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from that of FIG. 8 only in
that the torsion sensor 23 is arranged on the outside of the
measuring section 25. From there, a bore 46 leads into the interior
of the hollow shaft 42.
* * * * *